Environmental protection not merely technical mandate or administrative obligation, but a constitutional guarantee: SC Judge

Justice R. Mahadevan of the Supreme Court on Sunday (December 7, 2025) said environmental protection is not merely a technical mandate or administrative obligation, but it is a constitutional guarantee.

“Clear air, safe water, ecological balance and the preservation of natural heritage are integral to Article 21. They are not privileges for a few but entitlements for all. These rights are meaningful only when institutions act with will, vigilance and integrity,” he said in his valedictory address at the two-day Regional Conference on Environment-2025, organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone Bench, Chennai, and the Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees in Chennai.

“The deliberations over these two days have been rich, candid and constructive. They reflect a shared commitment to move from diagnosis to implementation, from fragmented responses to systemic reform and from reactive administration to preventive governance,” Justice R. Mahadevan said.

“Let this conference mark not an end but a beginning. A renewed commitment to ensure that environmental governance is driven by sustained institutional responsibility, not symbolism,” he said.

“The National Green Tribunal continues to play a crucial role by upholding environmental rights under Article 21, mandating scientific waste management, imposing evidence-based penalties and ensuring accountability through continuous monitoring,” Justice R. Mahadevan said.

The challenge is not the absence of law but the lack of consistent compliance, behavioral change and disciplined implementation, he said.

AR.L. Sundaresan, Additional Solicitor General of India, High Court of Madras said the conference has devoted its attention to environmental law enforcement, biodiversity conservation and the role of regulatory authorities.

Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to the Department of Environment, Climate Change, and Forests said one of the challenges is bringing policy into action.

She also highlighted various initiatives by the State government including Tamil Nadu green mission, Green Fellowship Programme.

Ms. Sahu stressed on the need to focus not only on bigger species, but also on the little species and also protecting local communities.

NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava presented the analysis of conference proceedings, while Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member, NGT, Southern Zone Bench, delivered the welcome address.